MPWhite
US Veteran
Oh that is easy, my .45 M1911A1 (that and the M1 Carbine is going in the casket with me).
If you could only have one handgun - the Model 66?
- Thread starter PALADIN85020
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That would be a pretty easy choice for me. This Model 19-4 would do everything I want it to. Someone did a RB conversion to it which I reversed with some Culina RB to SB grips. The trigger serrations were ground down and smoothed and a target hammer installed. It definitely has had a trigger job. Buttery smooth DA that weighs 8.5lbs, SA at 3.25lb
I've got a M19-4 4" just like that, even had the smooth trigger installed, also have the smooth Herrett's grips w/ S&W medallions. Beautiful revolver, just about perfect in every respect.
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I like the new 4-inch Models 19 and 66, which do not have the flat cut at the 6 o'clock position on the barrel shank. Plus, they are round butt making concealed carry slightly easier. The 66 gets the nod as it is more corrosion resistant.
These two weapons, according to the factory, are as strong as the L-Frame with respect to the use of Magnum ammo. In addition to self defense, they are useful for taking game with Magnum loads, target practice with light loads, and just about any use one would make of a handgun.
The gun writers of the 70s tackled this same question, and most, if not all, came up with the 4 inch "medium frame" .357 Magnum.
If you remember, Skeeter Skelton designed his own, and the article had an artist's rendering. If I recall correctly, it had some Ruger features (no sideplate screws), and some S&W features.
These two weapons, according to the factory, are as strong as the L-Frame with respect to the use of Magnum ammo. In addition to self defense, they are useful for taking game with Magnum loads, target practice with light loads, and just about any use one would make of a handgun.
The gun writers of the 70s tackled this same question, and most, if not all, came up with the 4 inch "medium frame" .357 Magnum.
If you remember, Skeeter Skelton designed his own, and the article had an artist's rendering. If I recall correctly, it had some Ruger features (no sideplate screws), and some S&W features.
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SGT ROCK 11B
Member
On PPC guns a full under lug is added for the weight to dampen recoil especially for the faster strings of shooting. Same thought process, so with .357 Magnum ammunition you are back on target quicker especially if you have multiple targets.
With 357 Magnum ammunition back in the 1970s females usually could not qualify with a K Frame but they did qualify using an N Frame. The difference was weight so the L Frame was a great decision on many levels as you see.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
Their is a reason for the underlug. If you were a LEO you would better understand.
So when I came on the job at LAPD after the Academy I was sent to Valley Div. A bunch of guys working as P-IIs (regular street cop off probation) and P-IIIs (II stripers) like Pete Malloy, training officers. Some carried 4" 15s and 67s but the vast majority carried 6" S/Ws. Two guys had 5" Outdoorsmans, several 6" 14s, and 3 guys had model 14s with custom 6 inch long, 1" round barrels. They all had model 17 patridge front sights with a regular rear sight. I remember one was a Davis barrel and one was a Cheshire / Perez ? both LA area gunsmiths. Guys always commented that they were great head knockers. Reference Sgt Rock above!!! Much better than a standard model 14. I was told they were dept approved and of course I immediately wanted one. It was not to be. So immediately after probation I got a model 14-3. The custom bull barreled guns were grandfathered in only from years past.
A few years later the 14-6 underlug model came out and I (and many others) jumped on it like a chicken on a Junebug.
Always wanted one of those gun even though I have several PPC guns and others similar.
So a few weeks ago I saw one of those guns on GB. 1" or less barrel, Hurst grips, double action only. Lock Stock and Barrel in Simi Valley handles a lot of coppers guns from LA area departments and has a good rep with the widows. This gun screamed LAPD from the cut frame Hurst grips to the required D/A only action. Unfortunately LAPD clears the gun files 5 or 6 kyears after retirement so I dont think I can find out that way. It really doesn't matter this is a fine example of one of those guns even better. On this one made by Jarvis and Warner Gunsmithing they took a 45 degree cut from each side of the barrel and then railed the top end of the barrel to exactly match a S/W barrel, very nice. I took the jeweled hammer and trigger out, never liked it, but it was the usual. Fixed a chip on the grips and cleaned it up. I am happy with it and would have gladly carried it, in the day.
Sorry photos didn't load first time.
Fighting a couple hernias and some other minor stuff so "Vargas" DUH Jarvis and Warner Gunsmithing...Sorry guys..
A few years later the 14-6 underlug model came out and I (and many others) jumped on it like a chicken on a Junebug.
Always wanted one of those gun even though I have several PPC guns and others similar.
So a few weeks ago I saw one of those guns on GB. 1" or less barrel, Hurst grips, double action only. Lock Stock and Barrel in Simi Valley handles a lot of coppers guns from LA area departments and has a good rep with the widows. This gun screamed LAPD from the cut frame Hurst grips to the required D/A only action. Unfortunately LAPD clears the gun files 5 or 6 kyears after retirement so I dont think I can find out that way. It really doesn't matter this is a fine example of one of those guns even better. On this one made by Jarvis and Warner Gunsmithing they took a 45 degree cut from each side of the barrel and then railed the top end of the barrel to exactly match a S/W barrel, very nice. I took the jeweled hammer and trigger out, never liked it, but it was the usual. Fixed a chip on the grips and cleaned it up. I am happy with it and would have gladly carried it, in the day.
Sorry photos didn't load first time.
Fighting a couple hernias and some other minor stuff so "Vargas" DUH Jarvis and Warner Gunsmithing...Sorry guys..
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If'n you had said "1 revolver" a 66 is hard to beat. One handgun and I don't hesitate to choose. Joe
DUDE! All that finely detailed description of your recent acquisition and NO PICTURES?!? SERIOUSLY?!?
C'mon MAN! Let's see some photos of that beauty!
ONLY one ? Perish the thought! Would have to be MOD 29 4" BLUE
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
Cheshire & Perez was in Monrovia, CA. Henry Perez joined with Cheshire in 1971 or so. They were on Walnut and I lived just north of them on Lemon. Henry was a retired Captain. They closed the business in 1991 or so. Henry passed in March at 95 and I placed a link for his obituary.
I got several nice revolvers from them and I actually still have two of them. One an Angelo Bee engraved Model 29 with ivory grips.
Henry Perez Obituary - Glendora, CA
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I have seen numerous PPC guns they built and even a custom 4" or two. Never made it to their shop. Never sure about the spelling! Very talented guys. Thanks Rock.
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I wanted a 686 and I have one....
...and I'm not giving it up. I have a few other S&W revolvers but this is the prize.
...and I'm not giving it up. I have a few other S&W revolvers but this is the prize.
I'm so happy I don't have to make this decision, because just when I think I have what I want something else comes along and I go "that would be great to own".
Sorry that's just my personal problem.
Jake
Sorry that's just my personal problem.
Jake
Unfortunately a LOT of us suffer from that same affliction - it isn't just you. For most of us it is a form of addiction...
beach elvis
Member
It wasn't until reading this thread that I realized that I don't own a 4" .357.
With the ,357's that I DO have, however, I'm not positive that I need one in reality. Although regarding the OP's original post, a 4" just might be the most practical, overall(?).
I have a 2.5" 686+-4 along with a 6" Mod. 66-1 and a 6" 586-3 as my stash of .357's. I never thought my stash was incomplete without a 4". Thank ya jayzus that I don't have to pick just one between the 3 of them.
With the ,357's that I DO have, however, I'm not positive that I need one in reality. Although regarding the OP's original post, a 4" just might be the most practical, overall(?).
I have a 2.5" 686+-4 along with a 6" Mod. 66-1 and a 6" 586-3 as my stash of .357's. I never thought my stash was incomplete without a 4". Thank ya jayzus that I don't have to pick just one between the 3 of them.
After reading this thread,, yesterday, I went to a new LGS near me,,
I told him that I wanted a Smith Model 66 that was capable of being carried,,
and, good for bear,,
He sold me this,,
Did I get the right gun??
I think you got the right one...had a 3 inch 629, it would certainly let you know when you were touching off the heavies!
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